New York | 23 – 29 September 2025

During his recent visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, the Secretary General of the International Young Catholic Students (IYCS), Roshan Melwyn Lobo engaged in a series of meaningful meetings aimed at strengthening partnerships and fostering collaboration among Catholic institutions and youth movements. One of the key highlights of the visit was the meeting with Rev. Dr. Fernando Real, Superior General of the Idente Missionaries, where discussions focused on deepening the relationship between the congregation, its institutions, and IYCS through joint initiatives that promote peace, education, and youth empowerment.

The Secretary General also had the privilege of meeting Fr. Robert Badillo, M.Id., Provincial Superior of the Idente Missionaries (U.S.) and Adjunct Associate Professor of Philosophy at St. John’s University, to explore potential collaborations in youth formation, leadership training, and academic cooperation. Their meeting marked an important step toward building stronger academic and spiritual partnerships for the benefit of young students.

Another remarkable engagement was with the World Youth Parliament (WYP) Chapter of New York, where the Secretary General delivered a presentation on “Pursuing Your Passion: The Role of Youth Movements in Self-Transformation.” The session inspired thoughtful discussions on youth identity, leadership, and value formation, echoing the principles of the “Magna Charta of Values for a New Civilization,” first presented by the World Youth Parliament in 2010.

The meeting also opened new avenues for collaboration between IYCS and the World Youth Parliament, particularly in initiatives that empower young leaders to work toward a just and humane society. This visit not only reinforced the international presence of IYCS but also served as a bridge for dialogue, cooperation, and shared mission among Catholic educational and youth networks, reflecting the movement’s continued commitment to nurturing young leaders for peace, justice, and transformation worldwide.